West Asia conflict: Trump talked to 7 countries, sought help for security of ships in the strategic sea corridor
Washington. US President Donald Trump said the US is in talks with seven countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and urged countries dependent on oil in the Gulf to help protect ships in the narrow but strategic sea corridor.
Speaking to reporters Sunday aboard Air Force One, Trump said several governments had been contacted for help protecting commercial ships passing through the narrow waterway. Although he did not reveal the names of the countries.
Analysts believe that European powers France and Great Britain are among the countries that have been asked to cooperate. Trump said that I demand that these countries come forward and protect their territory because this is their territory. He further said that they should cooperate as they get their energy from this sector.
The US President said he expected many of the contacted countries to deploy naval vessels to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait, a vital sea route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies pass. Trump also talked about Operation Epic Fury, indicating that there is still uncertainty in negotiations with Iran.
“They are desperate to talk and they should, but I don’t think they are prepared to do what it takes. We will get the job done,” he said. The war between the US and Israel on the one hand, and Iran on the other, has escalated rapidly since it began in late February.
This has resulted in disruption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and instability in global energy markets. Iran has blocked oil shipments through this route using drones, landmines, etc.
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